Art Therapists

Art therapists use art and creativity as a way to communicate with clients, and as a way for clients to express themselves. Art-based therapy allows people who have trouble expressing their thoughts and feelings to release burdensome emotions and destructive thoughts that previously remained suppressed. Art therapists are very similar to traditional therapists; they work very closely with patients to help them explore and better understand their own thoughts and feelings. Art therapists begin by assessing their patient, and seeing if art therapy is truly something that could help them. Then if they deem art therapy a good fit for the patient, the therapist will help the patient explore what kind of medium they want to utilize. During each therapy session, which could be one-on-one or in a group, the therapist encourages the patient to express themselves through their art. When the patient finishes a piece, the therapist will often discuss the piece and what it means to the patient in order to help them work through whatever they are struggling with. A bachelor's degree in psychology is required from all art therapists, and many will also take art classes during their college career. Additionally, a master's degree in art therapy is usually a requirement, and students must submit a portfolio along with their application in order to be accepted into a master's program. Virginia Commonwealth University has both a prominent arts program as well as a good psychology program. The University of Virginia and William and Mary also both have good psychology programs and offer classes in the arts. Overall, art therapists use art as a way for people struggling with anything to release their real emotions, and they give the opportunity for self reflection while looking at a tangible example of the patient's feelings.